So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
So here's the thing, it's not about how much you want it or how hard you work for it. It's about God choosing to show mercy.
God's mercy isn't something you earn through effort, it's something he gives.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul to the early Christian church in Rome, this verse is part of a broader discussion on God's sovereignty and His choice in salvation, particularly addressing why not all of Israel was accepting the gospel. Paul uses Old Testament examples, such as God's selection of Jacob over Esau, to illustrate that human ancestry or effort does not determine God's favor. This context was meant to comfort and instruct a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience about the unearned nature of divine mercy.
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